The
Runaways (Neon Angels) is based on lead-singer Cherie Currie's book
'Neon Angel' - a reflection of her experiences as a rock star, but also
delivering a strong anti-drug warning to teens and others. David
Bowie's "Space Oddity" serves as a metaphor for the narrative-- a slow
countdown, a surreal but spectacular rise to fame, then alienation and
burnout - a long long way from home.
The movie chronicles THE RUNAWAYS from 1975 - 1977; formed by teenage
girls living near Hollywood, CA., and heavily manipulated by their
manager Kim Fowley as 'jailbait rock' (all the girls were 16 or younger
when the band recorded their first album). The band ultimately succeeds
on their own merits as musicians, becoming the first all-girl rock-band
to ever break into the world of arena-filling hard rock acts.
The movie focuses on the band's formation, and their meteoric rise to
fame. Their first single, 'Cherry Bomb', gets some attention in the
United States, where THE RUNAWAYS' U.S. tour hits major venues (Cobo
Hall, with RUSH) and sleazy rock-clubs, often pairing them up with The
Ramones, Cheap Trick, Tom Petty, and other popular 1970's rock acts.
But 'Cherry Bomb' and several other songs from THE RUNAWAYS' first 2
albums become huge hits in Japan -- and their arrival for a set of
shows there in 1977 is like Beatle-Mania. The band is overwhelmed by
the Japanese reception. Almost prophetic, THE RUNAWAYS' last big hit
song in Japan is 'Neon Angels On The Road To Ruin'.
Cherie is initially thrilled to be in the band, and lives the rock star
life. She pushes the edge -- and their records sell well, generating
lots of media controversy and hype. But during the tour of Japan, her
personal life disnintegrates, and she burns out -- ultimately leaving
The Runaways when they return to the U.S. The bass player (Jackie Fox)
quits too, leaving only Lita Ford, Joan Jett and Sandy West. Joan Jett
has decided that rock & roll is her life, and that The Runaways is
her 'family'; she is upset by Cherie's decision to leave, but knows
that decision is best -- for Cherie.
THE RUNAWAYS' success was earth-shaking in rock music -- changing the
rules forever. But with the successful 5-girl lineup no longer intact
after the Japan tour, their future was dubious, at best. Lita Ford
(guitar) and Sandy West (drums) still think the band can make it big
again, so they persevere with Joan Jett.
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Scary Movie 3 (2003)
